JP2009089230A - Radio lan setting system and radio lan setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio LAN setting system or a radio LAN setting program for setting a radio LAN without generating the error of setting by reducing any setting operation by a user. <P>SOLUTION: The radio LAN setting system includes: a code acquisition part 70 or a code acquisition process (SB2) for acquiring the PIN code of a radio LAN client device 12 by using a cable LAN as an information transmission medium different from a radio LAN; a code transmission part 74 or a code transmission process (SB9) for transmitting the acquired PIN code of the radio LAN client device 12 to a registrar part 26; and a registrar start part 72 or a registrar start process (SB5, 7) for making the registrar part 26 issue setting information to a radio LAN client device 12 and a radio LAN access point 10 based on the transmitted PIN code of the radio LAN client device 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless LAN setting system and a wireless LAN setting program, and more particularly to a technique for simplifying a procedure for enabling a wireless LAN client device to connect to a wireless LAN access point.

  A wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is a computer network composed of a plurality of devices having a wireless communication function. In an infrastructure mode which is one of the aspects, for example, a wireless network connected to an existing wired LAN is used. A LAN access point (hereinafter also referred to as “access point” or “AP”) and a wireless LAN client device (hereinafter also referred to as “client”) are connected so as to be able to communicate wirelessly, whereby the wireless LAN client. A device can be connected to the wired LAN via the wireless LAN access point.

  In such a wireless LAN, it is necessary to set a character string called SSID (Service Set Identifier) for each access point in order to identify each wireless LAN, and in a client trying to connect to the access point, It is necessary to input or select the SSID of the access point to be connected.

  In order to prevent the access point from being used by an unintended third party, it is desirable that only clients that have been authenticated in advance can communicate with the access point wirelessly. For this purpose, for example, for the authentication of the client device, a shared key for encryption such as a WEP (Wired Equivalent Key) key or a pre-shared key (PSK) is used for the access point and Must be shared by clients. The shared key is shared when the user inputs the shared key to both the access point and the client.

  As described above, when the setting of the SSID and the shared key at the access point and the client is performed manually by the user, the setting may not be performed correctly due to a mistype or a mistake in the SSID and the shared key. . Further, when setting a plurality of clients, the SSID and the shared key must be set for each client, which is complicated. Therefore, a standard called Wi-Fi (registered trademark) Protected Setup (WPS) has been defined and put into practical use by Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry group, as a standard that allows such settings to be easily performed (non-patented). Reference 1).

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup includes a PBC (Push Button Configuration; push button) method and a PIN (Personal Identification Number) method (Non-patent Document 2).
Among them, in the PBC method, the access point and the client are brought into a communication state for setup by operating both buttons provided on both the access point and the client within a predetermined time, and the setup is performed. Settings for authentication and encryption are performed in the communication state. When the setting is completed, the client is authenticated and information communication with the access point becomes possible.

  On the other hand, in the PIN system, the access point and the client have a PIN consisting of, for example, an 8-digit number assigned in advance or generated each time. Then, for example, by inputting the PIN of the client to be connected to a registrar physically or logically provided on the wireless LAN, authentication between the access point and the client is performed based on the PIN input to the registrar. After the authentication is performed, the registrar issues the SSID, PSK, and the like necessary for communicating with the access point to the client, and the access point and the client can communicate information.

Buffalo Co., Ltd., “WZR-AMPG144NH”, [online], 2007, Buffalo Co., Ltd. [searched on September 28, 2007], Internet <URL: http: // buffalo. jp / products / catalog / network / wzr-ampg144nh /> Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED for Wi-Fi Protected Setup: Easing the User Experience for Home and Small Office Wi-Fi Networks. [Online]. Wi-Fi Alliance, 2007. [Retrieved on 2007-03-01]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http: // www. wifiliance. com / files / wp_18 — 20070108_Wi-Fi_Protected_Setup_WP_FINAL. pdf>

  As described above, the WPS is provided with the PBC method and the PIN method, but since the client is identified using the PIN, it is superior in safety when setting the client as compared with the PBC method. Conceivable.

  However, since the PIN method requires the PIN input operation to the registrar as described above, problems such as setting failure due to the miss type may still occur. Also, when setting a plurality of clients, it is necessary to input the PIN to the registrar for each client, and the setting procedure becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in the background of the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is without the user performing an operation of inputting a unique device identification code attached to the wireless LAN client device to the registrar. An object of the present invention is to provide a network setting system and a network setting program for constructing a wireless LAN including the wireless LAN client device.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 1 for solving such a problem is that: (a) a wireless LAN client device to which a unique device identification code is attached; and a wireless device capable of mutual communication with the wireless LAN client device A LAN access point and the wireless LAN client device that requests connection to the wireless LAN access point wirelessly are stored, and the stored wireless LAN client device and the wireless LAN access point communicate with each other A wireless LAN setting system having a registrar that issues setting information for enabling (b) code acquisition for acquiring the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device by communication using a wired LAN And (c) the code acquired by the code acquisition unit A code sending unit for sending a device identification code of the line LAN client device to the registrar; and (d) based on the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device sent by the code sending unit, And a registrar activation unit that causes the registrar to issue the setting information to a wireless LAN access point.

  In addition, the gist of the invention according to claim 2 is that: (a) a wireless LAN client device with a unique device identification code; a wireless LAN access point capable of communicating with the wireless LAN client device; For storing the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device that requests a wireless connection to the wireless LAN access point, and enabling communication between the stored wireless LAN client device and the wireless LAN access point A wireless LAN setting program for executing processing for constructing a wireless LAN having a registrar that issues setting information, wherein (b) the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device is communicated using a wired LAN A code acquisition step acquired at (c), the code acquisition unit A code sending step of sending the acquired device identification code of the wireless LAN client device to the registrar; and (d) the wireless LAN client device based on the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device sent by the code sending unit. A registrar starting step for causing the registrar to issue the setting information to the client device and the wireless LAN access point, and causing the computer to execute the setting information.

  Preferably, the invention according to claim 3 is (a) causing the computer to execute a storage step of storing the device identification code acquired by the code acquisition step, and (b) the code transmission step, The device identification code stored in the storing step is sent to the registrar on condition that the registrar is started by the registrar starting step.

  According to the wireless LAN setting system according to claim 1 or the wireless LAN setting program according to claim 2, a device identification code of the wireless LAN client device uses a wired LAN by the code acquisition unit or the code acquisition process. The wireless LAN client device device identification code obtained by communication is sent to the registrar by the code sending unit or the code sending step, and the wireless LAN client by the registrar by the registrar starting unit or the registrar starting step. Since the issuance of the setting information to the device and the wireless LAN access point is executed based on the device identification code, the user does not input the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device. Wherein without misconfigured such mistyped arise wireless LAN client devices wireless LAN settings to join the wireless LAN is performed.

Further, according to the wireless LAN setting program according to claim 3, the code sending step uses the device identification code stored in the storage step, on condition that the registrar is activated by the registrar activation step. A wireless LAN setting program for sending to the registrar.
According to the wireless LAN setting program of claim 3, the device identification code acquired by the code acquisition step is stored by the storage step, and is a wireless subject to setting information is issued on the condition that the registrar is activated. Since the device identification code of the LAN client device is sent to the registrar, the wireless LAN setting for allowing the wireless LAN client device to participate in the wireless LAN is performed accurately.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless LAN to which a wireless LAN setting system and a wireless LAN setting program of the present invention are preferably applied. In FIG. 1, a wireless LAN access point (hereinafter also referred to as “access point” or “AP”) 10 is connected via a wireless communication function and a cable 16 capable of communicating information with other devices connected wirelessly. It has a wired communication function that can communicate information with other devices. Further, it has a function of enabling information communication between a device capable of communicating information wirelessly and another device connected via the cable 16. A computer 14 that includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like and that is executed by the CPU while reading a program stored in the RAM and the ROM is, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”). It has a wired communication function capable of information communication with other connected devices. The access point 10 and the computer 14 are connected by a cable 16 to enable information communication. That is, the access point 10 and the PC 14 constitute a wired LAN that is an information transmission medium different from the wireless LAN. . On the other hand, a printer 12 as a wireless LAN client device 12 (hereinafter also referred to as “client”), which is a device having a wireless communication function capable of wireless communication with the access point 10, is connected to the access point 10. It is a client that intends to establish a wireless communication connection, that is, a client that intends to construct a wireless LAN composed of the access point 10 and the client 12.

  Further, as described above, the wireless LAN access point 10 and the PC 14 are connected by, for example, the cable 16 as an information transmission medium different from the wireless LAN, and a wired LAN is constructed so that information communication is possible. The wired LAN is configured as, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). Further, the client 12 has a wired LAN interface in addition to the wireless communication function. As shown in FIG. 1, the client 12 is connected to the cable 16 through the wired LAN interface so that information communication is possible. That is, the wired LAN includes an access point 10, a PC 14, and a client 12. The LAN cable 16 in FIG. 1 is for conceptually explaining the connection status of each device, and may be different from the actual connection form. That is, it is not limited to the bus type connection form as shown in FIG. 1, and for example, star type connection using a network hub or the like may be performed.

  On the other hand, the wireless information communication to be performed by the access point 10 and the client 12 is performed based on, for example, IEEE802.11g which is one of standards provided for standardization of wireless LAN specifications. Communication. The wireless LAN constructed by the access point 10 and the client 12 is an infrastructure mode in which each client communicates via the access point 10 and does not directly communicate with each other even when there are a plurality of clients. It is said that. At this time, an ESS-ID (Extended Service Set Identity) is set as a code for grouping the access point 10 and the client 12, and the access point 10 and the client 12 in which the same ESS-ID is set can communicate with each other. Become.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the outline of the control functions of the access point 10, the PC 14, and the printer 12 constituting the wireless LAN of the present invention. Among these, the access point 10 includes, for example, a so-called microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output interface, etc., and the CPU uses a program stored in the ROM in advance using the temporary storage function of the RAM. By performing signal processing according to the above, functions of a registrar unit 26 and a control unit 28 described later are realized. Further, as described above, the access point 10 has a wireless communication function and a wired communication function, and communicates information with other devices connected by wireless and other devices connected via the cable 16, respectively. Can be performed. That is, the access point 10 includes an antenna 22, a wireless interface unit (hereinafter also referred to as “wireless I / F unit”) 24, a registrar unit 26, and the like for the wireless communication function, and the wired communication function. Therefore, a wired interface unit (hereinafter also referred to as “wired I / F unit”) 32 is provided. Moreover, it has the control part 28 which controls the action | operation of the access point 10, and the memory | storage part 30 which memorize | stores required information.

  The radio interface unit 24 performs digital radio communication necessary for performing information communication by radio. Specifically, for example, the radio interface unit 24 transmits a signal to a carrier wave at a predetermined frequency such as 2.4 GHz. Accordingly, modulation processing such as PSK (Phase Shift Keying; phase modulation), FSK (Frequency Shift Keying; frequency modulation), ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying; amplitude modulation) is performed, and further, spread spectrum and OFDM (OrthoDu- bleDuMulti- pleD is undMulti- pleDu- bleDu- ble-duplex). In addition to performing processing for reducing interference from other radio waves with respect to radio waves transmitted (such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), predetermined amplification is performed to generate a radio wave. The antenna 22 generates a transmission wave generated by the wireless interface unit 24. The wireless interface unit 24 receives a radio wave transmitted from another device having a wireless communication function via the antenna 22 and extracts a signal from the received wave by performing a demodulation process corresponding to the modulation. At this time, the radio waves transmitted and received by the wireless interface unit 24 are adapted to a wireless LAN standard such as IEEE802.11g as described above. At this time, the access point 10 and the client 12 to which the same ESS-ID is set, that is, the access point 10 and the client belonging to the same wireless LAN are set by a method such as the spread spectrum is performed based on the ESS-ID. Only 12 can communicate.

  The control unit 28 performs switching control of wireless transmission / reception by the wireless interface unit 24 and performs settings necessary for wireless communication in the standards such as the IEEE802.11g. Specifically, for example, the channel used for wireless communication is determined, or the client is authenticated by WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2), which is a standard for client authentication and encrypted communication in IEEE802.11g, In addition, processing for encrypting communication with the client is performed.

  The authentication of the client based on WPA2 by the control unit 28 includes a WPA enterprise mode and a WPA home mode. For example, in the WPA home mode, the following procedure is performed. That is, based on a pre-shared key (PSK) that is an encryption key whose contents are shared in advance between the access point 10 and the client 12, PKCS # 5 PBKDF2 (Public Key Cryptographic Standard # 5 Password-Based A common key called PMK (Pairwise Master Key) is generated by a pre-defined method such as Kye Derivation Function 2). Then, based on the generated PMK, a handshake that is a procedure for authenticating the client 12 and establishing a connection (connection) between the client 12 and the access point 10, specifically, for example, four packet The access point 10 authenticates the client 12 by performing a 4-way handshake performed by transmission and reception.

  Further, the control unit 28 generates an encryption key for encrypted communication from the result of the 4-way handshake, and performs wireless communication with the client 12 with the content encrypted by the generated encryption key. Do. That is, the control unit 28 encrypts the radio wave transmitted from the access point 10 and decrypts the radio wave transmitted from the client 12 and received by the access point 10.

  In addition, the control unit 28 exchanges information between the client 12 that performs wireless communication and other devices connected via the cable 16 as necessary. That is, relay is performed between a wireless LAN configured with the access point 10 as a part thereof and a wired LAN configured with the access point 10 as a part thereof.

  In the authentication of the client 12 by the access point 10 in the WPA 2 described above, the operator needs to set the ESS-ID and the pre-shared key (PSK) in advance for the access point 10 and the client 12. . That is, in the present embodiment, the ESS-ID and PSK correspond to setting information for enabling the client 12 and the access point 10 to communicate with each other. On the other hand, the WSS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) capable of automatically setting the ESS-ID and PSK (WPA2 security key) for the access point 10 and the client 12 for the purpose of saving the operation. Has been proposed. In this WPS, a push button (PBC) method for setting the access point 10 and the client 12 by operating the push buttons provided on the access point 10 and the client 12 in succession, For example, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) method is provided in which each client 12 has a unique PIN code consisting of, for example, an 8-digit number, and is input to the registrar unit 26 described later. This PIN code corresponds to the device identification code.

  The registrar unit 26 corresponds to a registrar in the WPS standard, and is a function realized by a program in the access point 10 in this embodiment. The registrar 26 issues the ESS-ID and PSK to the predetermined access point 10 and the client 12 as setting information for enabling mutual communication. When the PIN code method is used, the access point 10 and the client 12 from which the registrar 26 issues setting information are the access point 10 and the client 12 in which the PIN code is input to the registrar 26. The ESS-ID and PSK issued by the registrar unit 26 are transmitted to the client 12 via the wireless I / F unit 24 using EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) which is one of WPA2 authentication protocols. Then, the access point 10 and the client 12 that have received the ESS-ID and PSK communicate with each other using the received ESS-ID and PSK, respectively, and the control unit 28 of the access point 10 and the control unit 46 of the client 12 respectively. Set.

  The wired I / F unit 32 is a so-called wired LAN interface, and performs wired information communication with other devices connected to the LAN cable 16 via the LAN cable 16 connected to the wired I / F unit. Do. The term “connected to a LAN cable” is a concept including not only a case where devices are connected one-on-one but also a case where they are connected via a hub or a router.

  The storage unit 30 stores information necessary for the operation of the access point 10 and is a storage unit configured by a RAM or the like, for example. For example, information such as the PIN code and IP address of the access point 10 and the client 12 input to the registrar unit 26 is stored.

  In this embodiment, the wireless LAN client 12 is preferably a printer having a wireless communication function and a wired communication function. In other words, the communication unit 40 includes a communication unit 40 that implements a wireless communication function and a wired communication function, and a main function unit 54 that implements a function as a printer. In addition, the main function unit 54 and the communication unit 40 can communicate with each other. For example, the main function unit 54 passes the print data received via the wireless LAN or the wired LAN to the main function unit 54, so that the main function unit 54 and the communication unit 40 can communicate with each other. The unit 54 can perform printing based on the print data.

  The communication unit 40 includes, for example, a so-called microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output interface, and the like. The CPU uses a temporary storage function of the RAM, and signals according to a program stored in the ROM in advance. By performing the processing, functions of a PIN generation unit 48 and a control unit 46 described later are realized. Further, as described above, the communication unit 40 has a wireless communication function and a wired communication function, and communicates information with other devices connected wirelessly and with other devices connected via the cable 16, respectively. Can be performed. That is, the communication unit 40 includes an antenna 42, a wireless interface unit (hereinafter also referred to as “wireless I / F unit”) 44, a PIN generation unit 48, and the like for the wireless communication function, and the wired communication. A wired interface unit (hereinafter also referred to as “wired I / F unit”) 50 is provided for functions. Moreover, it has the control part 46 which controls the action | operation of the communication part 40, and the memory | storage part 52 which memorize | stores required information. Among these, for the antenna 42, the wireless I / F unit 44, the control unit 46, and the wired I / F unit 50, the antenna 22, the wireless I / F unit 24, the control unit 28, the wired I / F of the access point 10 described above. Since the operation is the same as that of the F section 32, the description thereof is omitted.

  The control unit 46 has a function of responding to a client search by a device search unit 66 described later, in addition to the function of the control unit 28 of the access point 10 described above. For example, the ESS-ID or PSK Information on the setting status of the wireless communication function, such as whether or not it is set, IP address, MAC address, for example, model name including manufacturer name and model, etc. is output.

  The PIN generation unit 48 generates a PIN code to be input to the registrar unit 26 when the WPS PIN method described above is employed, and generates a PIN code in response to a request from the code acquisition unit 70 of the computer 14 described later. A PIN code is output.

  The storage unit 52 stores information necessary for the operation of the communication unit 40, and is a storage unit configured by a RAM or the like, for example. For example, information on the ESS-ID, PSK, and the like generated by the registrar unit 26 and acquired via the wireless I / F unit 44 is stored.

  The computer 14 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and is a computer that is executed by the CPU while reading a program stored in the RAM and the ROM. For example, a personal computer (PC) is used. The computer 14 includes a wired interface unit (hereinafter also referred to as “wired I / F unit”) 62, a setting support unit 64, a storage unit 78, and an input / output interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “input / output I / F”). It is also referred to as “F section”). Among these, the setting support unit 64 is a function realized by a program that operates on the computer 14.

  Among these, the wired I / F unit 62 is a so-called wired LAN interface, like the wired I / F unit 32 of the access point 10 and the communication unit 40 of the client 12. Via the LAN cable 16 connected to the F section, information communication by wire is performed with other devices connected to the LAN cable 16. That is, in FIG. 2, the wired I / F unit 62 of the computer 14 can communicate information with each other between the access point 10 and the client 12 connected via the cable 16.

  The storage unit 78 stores information necessary for the operation of the computer 14, such as the setting support unit 64, and is a storage unit configured by, for example, a RAM. For example, information about the PIN code of the client 12 acquired by the code acquisition unit 70 described later from the client 12 is stored.

  The input / output I / F unit 80 is an interface for connecting the computer 14 and an external device. Specifically, in FIG. 2, an input device 82 such as a keyboard and a mouse and an output device 84 such as a display device are connected to the computer 14 via the input / output I / F unit 80. The operator can input to the setting support unit 64 using the input device 82, or can confirm the operation result of the setting support unit 64 using the output device 84.

  The setting support unit 64 that acquires the PIN code of the client 12 and sends it to the registrar unit 26 is achieved by the computer 14 mainly by executing a wireless LAN setting program, and includes a device search unit 66, a device selection unit 68, a code acquisition unit 70, a code sending unit 74, a registrar activation unit 72, and a user interface display unit (hereinafter also referred to as “UI display unit”) 80, and an instruction to start a program is given by an operator. The operation is started by. Among these, the UI display unit 80 displays the search result by the device search unit 66 (to be described later), the operation status of the registrar activation unit 72, and information on the completion of setting of the client 12 notified from the registrar unit 26. In addition to the output to the output device 84 connected via the input / output I / F unit 80, the operator's selection input to the device selection unit 68 is accepted via the input device 82 connected via the input / output I / F unit 80.

  The device search unit 66 searches for existing clients that are on the same network (wired LAN) as the computer 14 on which the setting support unit 64 operates, that is, connected to the cable 16, and the searched clients (in FIG. 2). The setting status of the wireless communication function of the client 12) is detected. At this time, the device search unit 66 performs a search by so-called broadcast that transmits all devices on the wired LAN connected by the cable 16, that is, to which the computer 14 is connected all at once. Then, the information about the searched client is displayed on the output device 84 through the UI display unit 80 and the like together with the detected setting state of the wireless communication function. The setting status of the wireless communication function is, for example, that the above-described ESS-ID and PSK are set in the client 12 and the communication with the access point 10 is already established or the communication with the access point 10 is not performed. The situation is such that it is not possible or is currently being set. The device search unit 66 also obtains information about a node name indicating a position on a wired network to which the client is connected, a client IP address, a MAC address, a model name, and the like when searching for the client, You may display by the said UI display part 80. FIG.

  The device selection unit 68 selects, from the search result obtained by the device search unit 66, a client for which the operator wants to set a wireless LAN. Specifically, when the UI display unit 80 displays the search result on the output device 84, for example, a check box for selection is also displayed, and the operator uses the input device 82 to display the check box. Is selected, the client who wants to set the wireless LAN is selected.

  The code acquisition unit 70 acquires the PIN code of the client 12 selected by the device selection unit 68. Specifically, the code acquisition unit 70 requests the PIN generation unit 48 of the client 12 to output a PIN code via the cable 16, that is, the wired LAN, and acquires the PIN code generated by the PIN generation unit 48. To do. At this time, a PIN code is transmitted from the client 12 to the computer 14 via the cable 16. From the viewpoint of security, an encrypted protocol such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is preferably used. The PIN code of the client 12 acquired by the code acquisition unit 70 is stored in the storage unit 78 so as to be readable. The operation by the code acquisition unit 70 corresponds to the code acquisition process.

  The registrar activation unit 72 activates the registrar unit 26 and instructs the client 12 from which the code acquisition unit 70 has acquired the PIN code to start WPS by the PIN method. Specifically, for example, for the client 12, the control unit 46 tries to connect to the access point 10 by using its own PIN code as PSK, and the access point 10 is controlled. The unit 28 receives the PIN code of the client 12 from a code sending unit 74 described later, and instructs the client 12 to process the connection request by the WPA 2 using the PIN code of the client 12 as PSK. Thus, according to the PIN method, the registrar unit 26 is originally activated by the operator, and after the PIN code of the client 12 is input to the activated registrar unit 26, the client 12 starts setting by WPS. The code acquisition unit 70 acquires the PIN code of the client 12 to the setting support unit 64, the code transmission unit 74 transmits the PIN code of the client 12 to the registrar unit 26, and the registrar activation unit 72 activates the registrar unit 26. Therefore, the WPS can be started by the client 12 without the operator starting the registrar unit 26 and inputting the PIN code of the client 12 to the registrar unit 26. The operation by the registrar activation unit 72 corresponds to the registrar activation process.

  The code sending unit 74 sends the PIN code of the client 12 for which the registrar unit 26 is set for wireless communication to the access point 10 to the registrar unit 26. That is, when the registrar unit 26 activated by the registrar activation unit 72 detects a connection request to the access point 10 by the client 12, for example, the registrar unit 26 uses the PIN code of the client 12 making the connection request. The setting support unit 64 is requested to send it. In response to the transmission request, the code transmission unit 74 transmits the PIN code of the client 12 to the registrar unit 26 among the client PIN codes acquired by the code acquisition unit 70 and stored in the storage unit 78. At this time, a PIN code is transmitted from the computer 14 to the access point 10 via the cable 16. As in the case where the code acquisition unit 70 acquires the PIN code from the client 12, from the viewpoint of security, Preferably, for example, an encrypted protocol such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is used. The operation by the code sending unit 74 corresponds to the code sending process.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control operation of the wireless LAN setting system or the wireless LAN setting program of the present invention. First, in a step (hereinafter, “step” is omitted) SA1 corresponding to the device search unit 66, a client that exists on the same network as the computer 14 is searched by transmitting a search command by broadcast, for example. In addition, the setting status of the wireless communication function of the searched client is detected or acquired.

  In SA2 corresponding to the UI display unit 76, the list of clients searched in SA1 is displayed on the output device 84 together with the setting status of the wireless communication function of each client detected or acquired at the same time. FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the output device 84 as a user interface in SA2. As shown in FIG. 6, the user interface includes a list display unit 92, a display update button 100, and an end button 98. In the list display section 92, the client detected in SA1 indicates the setting status of the wireless communication function (Status column), the node name indicating the position on the wired LAN (Node Name column), the IP address (IP Address column), the MAC A check box (Selected field) 94 is provided for selection that is displayed together with information such as an address (MAC Address field), model name (Model Name field), etc., and a user's selection input in SA3 to be described later. .

  Similarly, in SA3 corresponding to the UI display unit 76, an input from the operator is accepted for the user interface displayed in SA2. That is, an operation using the input device 82 by the operator, for example, an operation for selecting the check box 94 in FIG. 6 or an operation such as the display update button 100 or the end button 98 is accepted.

  In SA4, the subsequent operation is selected by a user operation in SA3. That is, in the display example of FIG. 6, when the display update button 100 is operated by the operator, “REFRESH” in SA4 is selected, and the client returns to SA1 again to update the client list display. The search is performed. Further, when the check box 94 for selection is changed from either the selected state or the non-selected state to the other by the operator, “SELECT” in SA4 is selected, and SA5 is executed. Further, when a start button 96 described later is operated by the operator, “START” in SA4 is selected, and SA6 is executed.

  In SA5 corresponding to the device selection unit 68 and the like, in SA3, for example, when the check box 94 is operated to be in a selected state by the operator, for example, the selection flag is turned on. As the client selected to set the connection to Subsequently, SA2 and subsequent steps are executed again, and the selected state is reflected in the user interface of the output device 84 and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface display when SA5 and SA2 are executed. This figure shows a state where the check box 94 corresponding to the client displayed at the top of the clients displayed as a list in the list display unit 92 is selected by the operator. When the check box 94 is selected by the operator in SA3, the selection flag corresponding to the client selected in SA4 is turned on, so that the client is selected. At the same time, the display of the user interface is updated in SA2, and the state in which the corresponding check box 94 is checked is displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, when at least one of the check boxes 94 is checked, the start button 96 is validated and the start button 96 can be operated by the operator.

  Returning to FIG. 3, SA6 corresponding to the registrar activation unit 72 and the like is a step executed when the operator operates the start button in SA3, and accesses the client 12 selected in SA5. A wireless LAN client connection setting routine for performing settings for enabling wireless communication with the point 10 is executed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control operation in this wireless LAN client connection setting routine. In step SB1, it is determined whether there is a client that has not been set up for wireless communication with the access point 10 among the clients selected in SA5. If there is an incomplete client, SB2 and subsequent steps are executed for the incomplete client. If there are a plurality of uncompleted clients, any one client is selected and SB2 and subsequent steps are executed. On the other hand, when there is no incomplete client, this flowchart ends. It should be noted that in this step, the setting is completed for the client that has been set, but the setting cannot be performed due to the absence of a response or the like (when the determination of SB3 or SB6 described later is denied). Including clients. This is to prevent the setting for a client that has not been able to perform the setting from being repeated infinitely.

  In SB2 corresponding to the code acquisition unit 70, the PIN generation unit 48 of the client 12, and the like, the PIN code of the client 12 is acquired from the client 12 whose setting is not completed in SB1. In other words, a PIN code output request is made from the computer 14 to the client 12, a PIN code is generated in the client 12, and the generated PIN code is transmitted to the computer 14 via the cable 16.

  In SB3, in response to the PIN code output request from the computer 14 to the client 12 made in SB2, it is determined whether or not the PIN code is transmitted from the client 12 to the computer 14 within a predetermined time. If the PIN code is transmitted within a predetermined time, the determination in this step is affirmed and SB4 and subsequent steps are executed. On the other hand, if the PIN code is not transmitted within the predetermined time, the determination at this step is denied and SB11 is executed. The predetermined time is a time for determining a so-called timeout, and is determined in consideration of the processing speed of the client 12, the communication speed of the cable 16, and the like.

  In SB4 corresponding to the storage unit 78, the PIN code transmitted from the client 12 in SB2 is stored in a readable manner. At this time, in addition to the PIN code, the IP address, MAC address, node name, model name, and the like of the client 12 may be acquired and stored together.

  In SB5 corresponding to the registrar activation unit 72 and the like, an instruction to start WPS by the PIN code method is issued to the client 12 from which the PIN code has been acquired in SB2. In response to this, the client 12 starts a connection request to the access point 10 and transmits a response to the computer 14 that the connection request (that is, WPS) has started.

  In SB6, in response to the WPS start command for the client 12 from the computer 14 performed in SB5, it is determined whether or not a response indicating that the WPS has been started is transmitted from the client 12 to the computer 14 within a predetermined time. The If a response is transmitted within a predetermined time, the determination in this step is affirmed and SB7 and subsequent steps are executed. On the other hand, if the response is not transmitted within the predetermined time, the determination at this step is denied and SB11 is executed. The predetermined time is a time for determining a so-called timeout as in the case of SB3 described above, and is determined in consideration of the processing speed of the client 12, the communication speed of the cable 16, and the like.

  Similarly, in SB 7 corresponding to the registrar activation unit 72 and the like, the registrar unit 26 is activated. In subsequent SB8, it is determined whether or not the registrar unit 26 activated in SB7 has detected a connection request from the client 12 started in SB5. That is, when the registrar unit 26 detects a connection request from the client 12, the determination in this step is affirmed and SB9 and subsequent steps are executed. On the other hand, when the connection request by the client 12 is not detected, the determination of this step is denied and SB12 is executed.

  In SB 9 corresponding to the code sending unit 74, the PIN code of the client 12 acquired in SB 2 is sent to the registrar unit 26. In other words, the registrar unit 26 acquires the PIN code of the client 12. Accordingly, the registrar unit 26 responds to the connection request by the client 12 to the access point 10 by the client 12 based on the PIN code of the client 12, specifically, the authentication of the client 12 and the client 12 and the access point 10 It is possible to issue setting information for enabling mutual information communication with each other.

  In SB 10, for example, a notification that the setting for wireless communication between the access point 10 and the client 12 by WPS is completed, which is performed by the registrar unit 26, is on standby. Then, when the computer 14 is notified that this setting is completed, SB1 and subsequent steps are executed again.

  If a plurality of uncompleted clients are detected in SB1, SB1 to SB10 are repeatedly executed. Therefore, in SA3 in FIG. 3, a plurality of clients are set for connection to the access point 10. Even if it is selected as an object to be performed, it is possible to automatically set these plural clients.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the output device 84 when this step is completed. The client 12 that is displayed at the top of the list display section 92 and whose check box 94 is checked and selected is the client 12 that is the target of wireless connection. In the Status column 102 indicating the state of the wireless connection setting of the client, “OK” is displayed, indicating that the connection setting of the client 12 has been completed.

  On the other hand, SB11 is a step that is executed when the determination of SB3 and SB6 is denied, that is, when no response is received from the client 12 within a predetermined time, and the setting for the client 12 has failed. By setting a flag to that effect, the fact is stored, and for example, “Error” or the like is displayed in the Status column in the user interface shown in FIG. 6 or the like, indicating that the setting has failed.

  Further, SB12 is a step executed when the determination of SB8 is negative, that is, when the connection request by the client 12 started in SB5 is not detected in the registrar unit 26 activated in SB7. It is detected whether or not a cancel operation has been performed. Then, if a cancel operation is performed by the operator, the determination in this step is affirmed, and this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when the cancel operation by the operator is not performed, the determination at this step is denied, and the connection request of the client 12 in the registrar unit 26 is kept on standby.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the output device 84 when this step is executed. The client 12 that is displayed at the top of the list display section 92 and whose check box 94 is checked and selected is the client 12 that is the target of wireless connection. In the Status column 102 indicating the state of the wireless connection setting of the client, “Setup” is displayed, indicating that the client 12 is in the middle of connection setting. Further, a cancel button 104 is provided in place of the start button 96 at the place where the start button 96 was present at the time of execution of SA3 in FIG. 3, and the operator operates the cancel button 104 by the input device 82. The cancel operation by is accepted.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the control operation of the communication unit 40 of the client 12. In the communication unit 40 of the client 12, for example, the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed, and processing according to a command from another device such as the computer 14 is performed.

  First, in a step (hereinafter, “step” is omitted) SC1 corresponding to the wired I / F unit 50, a command (command) transmitted from the computer 14 via the cable 16 is received.

  In SC2 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like, it is determined whether or not the command received in SC1 is a device search command for searching for a wireless LAN client device connected to the cable 16 by the device search unit 66 of the computer 14. Is done. If the command received at SC1 is the device search command, the determination at this step is affirmed and SC3 is executed. On the other hand, if the command received at SC1 is not the device search command, the determination at this step is denied and SC4 is executed.

  Similarly, in SC3 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like, a response to the device search command received in SC1 is performed. Specifically, for example, a notification that the client 12 is a wireless LAN client device, an IP address of the client 12, and the like are returned.

  On the other hand, in SC4 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like executed when the determination of SC2 is denied, the command received by SC1 is a command for inquiring the MAC address, node name, model name, etc. of the client 12. It is determined whether or not there is. If the command received at SC1 is a command for inquiring about the MAC address, node name, model name, etc., the determination at this step is affirmed and SC5 is executed. On the other hand, if the command received at SC1 is not a command for inquiring about the MAC address, node name, model name, etc., the determination at this step is denied and SC6 is executed.

  Similarly, in SC5 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like, a response is made to a command for inquiring about the MAC address, node name, model name, etc. of the client 12 received in SC1. Specifically, for example, information serving as an answer corresponding to the inquiry command such as a command for inquiring the MAC address, node name, model name, etc. of the client 12 is returned.

  In SC6 corresponding to the control unit 46 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like, which is executed when the determination of SC4 is denied, the command received in SC1 is transmitted to the client 12 by the code acquisition unit 70 of the computer 14. It is determined whether the command requests transmission of a PIN code. If the command received at SC1 is a command requesting transmission of the PIN code, the determination at this step is affirmed and SC7 is executed. On the other hand, if the command received at SC1 is not a command for requesting transmission of the PIN code, the determination at this step is denied and SC8 is executed.

  In SC7 corresponding to the PIN generation unit 48 or the like, a response is made to a command requesting transmission of the PIN code received in SC1. Specifically, for example, a PIN code that is a code unique to the device is generated, and information about the content of the generated PIN code is returned.

  In SC8 corresponding to the control unit 46 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like, which is executed when the determination of SC6 is denied, the command received by SC1 is received by the registrar activation unit 72 of the computer 14 and the client 12 receives the command. It is determined whether the command is for starting a connection request to the access point 10 by WPS (PIN code method). If the command received at SC1 is a command for starting the connection request, the determination at this step is affirmed and SC9 is executed. On the other hand, if the command received at SC1 is not a command for starting the connection request, the determination at this step is denied and SC12 is executed.

  Similarly, the SC 9 corresponding to the control unit 46 receives a command for starting the connection request received at SC 1 and determines whether or not a PIN code has already been generated. The PIN code is generated because it is a premise for the operation of the connection request. If the PIN code has already been generated in the client 12, the determination in this step is affirmed and the SC 10 is executed. For example, when the PIN code is not generated, such as when SC9 is executed without executing SC7, the determination at this step is denied and a connection request to the access point 10 by the client 12 is made. It returns to SC1 without being done.

  In the SC 10 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like, which is executed when the determination of the SC 9 is affirmed, a connection request by the client 12 to the access point 10 by the WPS (PIN code method) is started, and the computer 14 On the other hand, the fact that the connection request is started is notified.

  Similarly, in the SC 11 corresponding to the control unit 46 and the like, the connection request to the access point 10 started in SC 9 is continued, and setting for enabling wireless communication with the access point 10 responding to the connection request. Is executed.

  On the other hand, when the determinations of SC2, SC4, SC6, and SC8 are all denied, SC12 determines that the command received at SC1 is a device search command for searching for a wireless LAN client device, the MAC address of client 12, and the node. A command for inquiring a name, model name, etc., a command for requesting the PIN acquisition of the client 12 by the code acquisition unit 70 of the computer 14, a command for the client 12 to start a connection request to the access point 10 by WPS (PIN code method) These steps are executed when none of the above is satisfied. In such a case, it is assumed that the command received at SC1 is not a command related to the wireless communication setting of the client 12, and processing corresponding to the command is performed.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the code acquisition unit 70 acquires the device identification code (PIN code) of the wireless LAN client device 12 using an information transmission medium different from the wireless LAN, and the code transmission unit 74 acquires the wireless LAN. The PIN code of the client device 12 is sent to the registrar unit 26, and the registrar activation unit 72 issues the setting information (ESS-ID and PSK) to the wireless LAN client device 12 and the wireless LAN access point 10 by the registrar unit 26. Therefore, the PIN code of the wireless LAN client device 12 is not input by the operator, and therefore, the wireless LAN client device 12 can participate in the wireless LAN without setting errors such as a mistype. Setting for is performed.

  In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, the code acquisition unit 70 acquires the PIN code of the wireless LAN client device 12 using the wired LAN including the cable 16 to which the wireless LAN client device 12 is connected. The PIN code is also acquired via the cable 16 for the wireless LAN client device 12 that is not set to participate in the wireless LAN.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described in detail based on drawing, this invention is applied also in another aspect.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a printer is used as the client 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the printer is not limited to the printer as long as it has the function of the communication unit 40 described above. For example, a multifunction device, a computer, a PDA, or the like having a plurality of functions such as a scanner, a printer, and a scanner can be used. Good. In this case, the main function unit 54 has an original function other than the communication function of each device described above, for example, a scanning function if it is a scanner.

  In the above-described embodiment, the computer 14 and the access point 10 are connected by the cable 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the computer 14 has a wireless communication function, such as a wireless interface unit, the computer 14 and the access point 10 are connected by a wireless LAN because the PIN code of the computer 14 is already registered in the registrar unit 26. It may be. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the computer 14 and the access point 10 are capable of wireless communication with each other, the client 12 and the computer 14 are connected by the same cable (wired LAN) 16a. The access point 10 to which the client 12 is to connect wirelessly is not connected to the cable 16a, but can be applied even in a situation where it is connected to another cable (wired LAN) 16b.

  In the above-described embodiment, the IEEE 802.111g standard is used as the wireless LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another standard may be used. That is, the frequency and modulation method used for radio are not limited to those of this embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the registrar unit 26 is provided inside the access point 10, but is not limited thereto. That is, the registrar unit 26 is a function realized by a program as described above, and may be provided in a device that the access point 10 can refer to, that is, connectable via a network, for example. Specifically, for example, it may be provided inside the computer 14, or may be provided in other equipment connected to the cable 16 (not shown), or previously communicated with the access point 10 wirelessly. It may be provided in another device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the PIN generation unit 48 generates the PIN code in response to the PIN code transmission request from the code acquisition unit 70, and transmits the generated PIN code. Not limited. For example, a PIN code determined in advance for each client 12 may be stored, and the stored PIN code may be transmitted in response to the transmission request.

  In the above-described embodiment, the PIN generation unit 48 is provided in the communication unit 40 of the client 12, but is not limited to such a mode. For example, the PIN generation unit 48 may be provided in the setting support unit 64 of the computer 14. That is, an embodiment in which the wireless LAN setting system or the wireless LAN setting program of the present invention determines the PIN code of the client 12 and assigns the determined PIN code to the client 12 is also possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, a personal computer (PC) is used as the computer 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a device such as a PDA may be used as long as it has a function for realizing the setting support unit 64.

  In the above-described embodiment, the client 12 and the computer 14 are connected to each other via the cable 16 so that information can be communicated. However, the connection is not limited to the wired LAN by the cable 16, but a USB cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, for example. A cable capable of communicating information with each other may be used. Further, the communication is not limited to this, and communication using no cable such as infrared communication may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the state where the client 12 and the computer 14 are connected by the cable 16 is maintained, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, after the setting for wireless communication by WPS between the client 12 and the access point 10 is completed and wireless communication is possible (SA6, SB10, SC11), the client 12 and the computer 14 are connected to the cable 16 There is no need to be connected by. In other words, the client 12 and the computer 14 need only be connected by the cable 16 only when the wireless LAN setting system or the wireless LAN setting program of the present invention operates.

It is the figure showing the outline | summary of an example of the system to which the wireless LAN setting system or wireless LAN setting program of this invention is applied suitably. It is a functional block diagram explaining the outline | summary of the control function of each apparatus which comprises the system in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the outline | summary of the control action of the wireless LAN setting system or wireless LAN setting program of this invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a control operation of a wireless LAN client connection setting routine executed in FIG. 3. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the outline | summary of the control action of the communication part of a client. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed by a UI display unit 76. FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of the user interface displayed by UI display part 76, Comprising: It is a figure explaining the selection state of a client. It is a figure explaining an example of the user interface displayed by UI display part 76, Comprising: It is a figure explaining the state in execution of the setting of the wireless communication of a client. It is a figure explaining an example of the user interface displayed by UI display part 76, Comprising: It is a figure explaining the state in which the setting of the wireless communication of a client was completed. It is a figure showing another example of the system to which the wireless LAN setting system or wireless LAN setting program of this invention is applied suitably.

Explanation of symbols

10: Wireless LAN access point 12: Wireless LAN client device 16: Wired LAN
26: Registrar (Registrar)
70: Code acquisition unit 74: Code transmission unit 72: Registrar activation unit

Claims (3)

A wireless LAN client device with a unique device identification code, a wireless LAN access point that can communicate with the wireless LAN client device, and a wireless LAN client device that requests a wireless connection to the wireless LAN access point A registrar that stores the device identification code and issues setting information for enabling communication between the stored wireless LAN client device and the wireless LAN access point,
A code acquisition unit for acquiring the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device by communication using a wired LAN;
A code sending unit for sending a device identification code of the wireless LAN client device acquired by the code acquiring unit to the registrar;
A registrar activation unit that causes the registrar to issue the setting information to the wireless LAN client device and the wireless LAN access point based on the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device sent by the code sending unit; A wireless LAN setting system characterized by comprising: A wireless LAN client device with a unique device identification code, a wireless LAN access point that can communicate with the wireless LAN client device, and a wireless LAN client device that requests a wireless connection to the wireless LAN access point A process for constructing a wireless LAN having a registrar that stores the device identification code and issues setting information for enabling communication between the stored wireless LAN client device and the wireless LAN access point A wireless LAN setting program readable by a computer executing
A code acquisition step of acquiring the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device by communication using a wired LAN;
A code sending step of sending a device identification code of the wireless LAN client device acquired by the code acquiring unit to a registrar;
A registrar activation step for causing the registrar to issue the setting information to the wireless LAN client device and the wireless LAN access point based on the device identification code of the wireless LAN client device sent by the code sending unit;
A wireless LAN setting program for causing a computer to execute. In the computer,
While performing a storage step of storing the device identification code acquired by the code acquisition step,
The wireless LAN according to claim 2, wherein the code sending step sends the device identification code stored in the storage step to the registrar on condition that the registrar is started by the registrar starting step. Configuration program.

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